Reversible tube towel

ABSTRACT

An ergonomically designed cylindrically configured wiping towel with two open ends, constructed with multiple, pre-selected exterior areas of varied colors and patterns for user awareness of soiled portions in order to discourage possible cross contamination. The cylindrically structured tube towel is designed to provide the same amount of cleaning surface as a flat conventional towel in a more compact maneuverable, controlled manner. The cylindrically configured wiping towel turns inside out in order to utilize all towel surfaces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

My Seam and Tuft Towel, application Ser. No. 10/441,484, filing date May 20, 2003

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to wiping towels relevant to household cleaning or any profession that uses rags or towels for cleanup and especially within the professional cleaning industry. Specifically to an improved wiping towel exhibiting superior control and maneuverability in use as well as unique design features that promote efficient usage of the entire towel surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wiping towels are commonly used by professional cleaning companies as well as car washes, janitorial services, window washers etc. and in ordinary household cleaning. The conventional, flat cleaning and wiping towels are generally rectangular or square sheets of absorbent fabric or other material. Most prior art consistently reflects this pattern, sometimes adding chemical treatments and abrasive materials to same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,498 to Martin (1997) discloses a scrubbing device providing a first layer of foam material, a second layer of woven synthetic adhered to one another. U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,812 to Watanabe (2004) discloses a multi layer sheet structure comprising a front sheet, a net-like backing sheet and sewing threads for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions which may be stuffed with paddings such as cotton, wool etc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,204 to Wise (1999) discloses sheets capable of developing a positive electrostatic charge use for a variety of surface cleaning operations. Insofar as I am aware, no wiping towel formerly developed, other than my own patent pending “Seam and Tuft Towel” application Ser. No. 10/441,484, filing date May 20, 2003, provides ergonomically designed construction features providing increased efficiency and ease of use, in a “basic towel” configuration. The most similar article which applicant is aware is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,372 to Wenzel (1990) which discloses a tubular towel with an elastic band for encircling and gripping a user's arm with an enlarged lower end portion that drapes loosely over the user's hand. My Tube Towel is also of a cylindrical construction, but there, the similarity ends. Wenzels's free-hand tubular towel is worn on the forearm of the user and is retracted onto the arm when not in use. The principal object to provide a towel carried on the forearm and extending over the hand, making it immediately available for use as a wiping towel. As seen below, my Reversible Tube Towel is much more austere in design relying on the dynamics of its construction, thereby resulting in exceptional efficiency and handling properties of a wiping towel.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the Reversible Tube Towel described in my above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

-   -   (a) to provide a wiping towel that handles well;     -   (b) to provide a wiping towel that easily turns inside out to         allow all surface portions to be utilized;     -   (c) to provide a wiping towel that automatically provides a         double thickness without folding for exceptional absorbency;     -   (d) to provide a double thickness for stability in a towel that         ergonomically responds to a user's hand;     -   (e) to provide a wiping towel that can optionally encompass a         users hand or other tools;     -   (f) to provide a wiping towel that can be produced in multiple         colors or surface patterns for user awareness of soiled areas of         the towel in order to discourage possible cross contamination;     -   (g) to provide a wiping towel that can be produced in multiple         materials for multiple uses having, perhaps, a scrubbing side         and a wiping side within the same unit created by adjoining the         two panels longitudinally;

Further objects and advantages are to provide a wiping-cleaning towel that presents the same amount of cleaning surface area commonly found in a conventional rectangular wiping cloth in a towel that occupies half the measurable dimensions of surface area due to its unique construction, the Reversible Tube Towel functions in a more compact, maneuverable, controlled manner than other products presently on the market.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention a Reversible Tube Towel comprises a cylindrical shaped body forming a tube configuration that easily turns inside out or can be fully or partially reverse-folded over itself to utilize all surface portions while keeping track of soiled portions. It may encompass a users hand or be used flat. The doubled thickness provides superior absorbency and structure providing extra control thereby reducing hand fatigue. The structural dynamics of my Reversible Tube Towel result in a more manageable wiping towel.

Drawings—FIGURES

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different suffixes.

FIGS. 1A and 2A show a perspective view of a Reversible Tube Towel FIGS. 1B to 1D show the construction of a Reversible Tube Towel using one flat panel of material.

FIGS. 2B to 2D show the construction of a Reversible Tube Towel using two equally sized panels of material.

FIGS. 3A to 3F show various applications of color, pattern and construction features as applied to the exterior of single panel and double panel Reversible Tube Towel base materials prior to stitching.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a knitted version of a Reversible Tube Towel.

FIGS. 5A to 5J show various advantages and ways of using a Reversible Tube Towel.

FIG. 6A to 6C show various secondary uses and functions of a Reversible Tube Towel.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 base material     -   12 longitudinal edges     -   14 end edges     -   16 seam     -   18 opening     -   20 dyed portion     -   22 patterned portion     -   24 embroidered portion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIG. 1A to—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the Reversible Tube Towel of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. My Reversible Tube Towel, an improved wiping towel, is cylindrical in shape forming a tube configuration, having openings for entry or exit 18 at either end and is adjoined at multiple longitudinal sides 12. FIG. 1A shows a completed one-panel Reversible Tube Towel. FIGS. 1B to 1D show its basic construction utilizing a single panel of base material 10. FIG. 1B shows the panel of base material laid flat. FIG. IC shows the panel of base material 10 folded once. FIG. 1D shows the two longitudinal edges 12 of the panel joined with a seam 16. FIG. 2A shows a completed two-panel Reversible Tube Towel. FIGS. 2B to 2D show its basic construction utilizing two equally sized and configured panels of a base material 10. FIG. 2B shows the two panels of base material side-by-side. An exterior surface is represented on the left with the interior surface indicated on the right. FIG. 2C shows one panel of base material 10 superimposed directly over the second, with the two exterior surfaces facing each other. FIG. 2D shows all four longitudinal edges of the two panels of base material 10 joined with seams.

My Reversible Tube Towel may be constructed in any desired material common to wiping or cleaning, such as paper, plastic, wool, cotton, abrasive scrubbing mesh or any other synthetic or natural fiber, the end product being (cotton-terry), static dust cloths, micro fiber, PVA, fleece, flannel, disposable paper product, chamois, etc. The open ends may be either hemmed or left unfinished.

The dimensions of my finished Reversible Tube Towel are established with the width of the towel being measured to be less than the length. A standard Reversible Tube Towel specification being approximately 7 to 9 inches in width and approximately 12 to 20 inches in length. A smaller, more compact version of my Reversible Tube Towel may be approximately 5 inches in width by approximately 9 inches in length. A larger, automotive wiping size could measure approximately 9 to 10 inches in width and approximately 24 inches in length. And yet other variances in size and dimension would be formed for specific job tasks, or tool covering applications. For example, a 7 by 28 inch works nicely in the kitchen folded over an apron tie. A 7 by 15 inch Reversible Tube Towel makes a great dish-drying towel, chef's apron towel, spa towel or polishing towel. A small stretch towel is ideal for cosmetic applications and exfoliating. The preferred Reversible Tube Towel would accept a user's hand and (or) forearm into the cylinder. A narrower Reversible Tube Towel will securely stay on a user's hand by simply spreading the fingers within the confines of the tube. The entire Reversible Tube Towel turns inside out to provide a fresh clean surface.

Optional Construction Features

When a pre-existing material is used in the base of the tube's construction, one or more seams 16 may be used for the purpose of adjoining the longitudinal sides. For one piece of material, one seam 16 as seen in FIG. 1A or for two separate sections of material, two seams 16 as seen in FIG. 2A. However, additional vertical, and (or) horizontal, and (or) diagonal seams 16 may also be incorporated into the device for structural stability or definition

For definition of soiled areas, portions of my Reversible Tube Towel may be dyed or my Reversible Tube Towel may be constructed using multiple colored or patterned panels. This feature provides instant user-awareness of soiled areas of the towel in order to discourage possible cross contamination.

FIGS. 3A through 3F show various optional construction features and exterior treatments that may be applied to my Reversible Tube Towel for the purpose of delineation of towel areas in order to discourage possible cross contamination as discussed above. FIG. 3A shows a single panel featuring a dyed portion 20 occurring on one half of the single panel at the end edge 14 resulting in that half of the finished Reversible Tube Towel being of a contrasting color. FIG. 3B shows a single panel tube featuring a dyed portion occurring at the length of a longitudinal edge of the panel resulting in one side of the folded and finished Reversible Tube Towel being of a contrasting color. FIG. 3C shows a single panel tube featuring dyed portions at both ends, resulting in each end edge 14 being of a contrasting color. FIG. 3D shows a single panel tube having contrasting colors of embroidery 24 occurring at both ends resulting in each end edge 14 exhibiting a contrasting color or pattern. FIG. 3E shows a double panel tube having a contrasting patterned 22 second panel resulting in one side of the finished Reversible Tube Towel being of a contrasting pattern. FIG. 3F shows a double panel tube with contrasting colors and patterns created by dividing and consequently adjoining two halves of contrasting colors or patterns on each panel prior to adjoining their longitudinal sides resulting in a four panel finished Reversible Tube Towel having four distinctly contrasting panels. Four or more different contrasting colors or patterns may be incorporated within a Reversible Tube Towel in this manner.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 b Additional Embodiments

FIG. 4A shows a knitted, elasticized Reversible Tube Towel with openings 18 at either end and having no seams. An elasticized version of my Reversible Tube Towel would measure approximately 4 inches by 14 inches, with the 4 inch width being expandable to 6 or 7 inches. FIG. 4B shows a user's hand inside a Reversible Tube Towel The narrower width of the elasticized body encourages the Reversible Tube Towel to conform to a user's hand when inserted inside the tube structure. The tube measurements should be ample enough to allow the towel to turn inside out for use of the surface of the other side.

Operation-FIGS. 5A to 5J

FIGS. 5A through 5J show my Reversible Tube Towel in operation. FIG. 5A shows how a user's hand manipulates the towel in normal use. The double thickness of my Reversible Tube Towel creates an automatic “pre-folded” towel. And the bulk created by the double thickness lends its self to a fuller, yet flexible wiping towel for superior handling and control. FIG. 5B shows a Reversible Tube Towel in use with the user's hand inserted in the cavity of the towel. FIG. 5C shows how a Reversible Tube Towel may be partially turned inside out in order to double the thickness while a hand is inserted within the cavity of the cylinder. FIG. 5D shows a Reversible Tube Towel deposited on the forearm of a user when it is not in use. FIG. 5E shows how the Reversible Tube Towel conveniently drapes over the forearm of a user. 5F shows how the unique shape of a Reversible Tube Towel naturally drapes over a shoulder for easy access. And FIG. 5G shows a Reversible Tube Towel handily resting on the handle of a vacuum. The longer, narrower configuration of my Reversible Tube Towel makes it easy to use and convenient to deposit out of the way on a user's person or stationary object when not in use. FIG. 5H shows how an extra long Reversible Tube Towel provides leverage for two hands for polishing. FIG. 5J shows how both hands may be inserted within the cylinder for extra scrubbing power.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show various optional uses for my Reversible Tube Towel. The versatility of My Reversible Tube Towel is virtually unlimited to use within many other industries such as relating to beauty, hygiene etc. Many sweepers and mops will accept a wiping towel on the mop head. FIG. 6A shows how the Reversible Tube Towel easily adapts for use on mop-sweeper heads offering the distinct advantage that the towel can be reversed (turned inside out) and reapplied to the mop head providing a clean surface. FIG. 6B shows the Reversible Tube Towel used with an extender such as a yardstick or broom handle inserted for extra reach. FIG. 6C shows how a Reversible Tube Towel may be used to enclose a feather duster or wool duster.

The open-ended construction feature allows for a tool or a hand to be inserted in either end of my Reversible Tube Towel with the option to switch ends when one is soiled. And the tube may then be turned inside out to expose a fresh surface and to be reused.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of my Reversible Tube Towel become evident:

-   -   (a) The cylindrical structure of my Reversible Tube Towel         provides inside access to the user's hand for control and         maneuverability as well as easy access for turning the towel         inside out.     -   (b) Better control helps diminish hand fatigue.     -   (c) Both inside and outside of my Reversible Tube Towel is         utilized for efficient usage of all surfaces. When the outside         is soiled, the towel is simply turned inside out for fresh         unsoiled area.     -   (d) My Reversible Tube Towel may be used partially turned inside         out for doubling the thickness while controlled from within.     -   (e) My Reversible Tube Towel may be laid flat and used in the         manner of any other conventional towel folded over for extra         thickness.     -   (f) My Reversible Tube Towel can be color or pattern delineated         to help the user identify soiled areas in order to discourage         possible cross-contamination.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the design lends itself to unlimited adaptations in size, materials and surface treatments.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

1. In a wiping and cleaning towel of the type comprising: an elongated cylindrical body having two open ends.
 2. The wiping and cleaning towel of claim 1 wherein said wiping and cleaning towel is reversible as a means for utilizing all surface areas.
 3. The wiping and cleaning towel of claim 1 wherein said wiping and cleaning towel is composed of multiple color or patterned contrasting areas as a means to define user awareness of soiled areas thereby discouraging possible cross contaminating.
 4. The wiping and cleaning towel of claim 3 wherein said contrasting areas are dyed. The wiping and cleaning towel of claim 3 wherein said contrasting areas are composed of separate panels of base materials in various materials, colors or patterns. 